Nigeria is grappling with an alarming mental health crisis as fresh data shows that the country loses about 16,000 lives to suicide every year.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, has raised concern over the figure, stressing that urgent legislative action is needed to stem the tide. He reaffirmed his commitment to championing the Suicide Prevention Bill, which is currently before the Senate.
The proposed law, which scaled its first reading in February, seeks to decriminalize attempted suicide and replace punishment with care, dignity, and proper mental health support.
Ekpenyong made this known in Abuja while receiving members of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, a coalition of psychiatrists, psychologists, legal experts, and civil society organizations. The group commended him for sponsoring the bill and briefed him on activities planned ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
“Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affect millions of Nigerians, yet they remain poorly understood and rarely prioritized,” Ekpenyong said, promising to mobilize his colleagues for a strong debate when the bill comes up for second reading.
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Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, convener of the coalition and former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, noted that criminalizing attempted suicide discourages victims from seeking help. He warned that the real suicide figures may be higher since many cases go unreported, especially among young people aged 15 to 29, who account for most deaths.
“For every recorded suicide, at least 20 attempts are made. Every delay in passing this bill means more lives are lost,” added Aisha Abdullahi Bubah, Executive Director of The Sunshine Series.
The coalition also unveiled plans to mark World Suicide Prevention Day with campaigns, policy dialogues, and media engagements. Senator Ekpenyong has been invited to participate in the Vanguard Mental Health Summit in October, themed “Stemming the Rising Tide of Suicide in Nigeria.”
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